What is a good way to find a job here in Germany?

Question

I am an American living here in Germany permanently with my husband, and am taking a 6 month German language class. At the end of the class, I am going to look for employment, but wonder what my chances will be-especially here in Germany.

I have a 4 year college degree, and before moving here I worked for a hospital´s PR department.

Do companies here in Germany have PR, or should I just try to be a Secretary or something else, just to find work?

Answer 1

In order to be a secretary here at a German company, you have to speak PERFECT German.  I was a legal secretary for 8 years in the States, but I wouldn't have a snowball's chance in h**l of getting a secretarial job here at a German firm, because my German isn't 100% perfect.  I was told the best I could hope for would be a job stocking shelves in a grocery store, or being a cleaning woman.  If you live near a major city, like München, you have better chances trying for a job at an American company.  

And what one person here said about German schools, they are right for the most part.  You almost have to have a teacher's certificate yourself to help your kids with their homework, because they sure aren't getting enough info at school.

Answer 2

I had a very difficult time finding employment here as well. If you do get discouraged after being knocked down. Give private English lessons, etc...get creative...and good luck!

Answer 3

yes i like to work in germany  but  what job have to work

Answer 4

I know so many Americans in Germany who have the greatest jobs! Don't let you tell otherwise. You don't have to be a "cleaning lady" like somebody mentioned they had to be....

First of all I would get your degree translated into German and then look into those specific jobs you would like to do. Also look for American and or British companies, check out all the hospitals in your area and even the Red Cross...

I would have millions of ideas right away....

Answer 5

Good luck!  I had almost the same qualifications and dreams, and they got shot down.  Three firms did employ me as a cleaning lady, though.  The only positive aspect being that my German improved exponentially.

Ok...  Some tips and facts.

--The right paperwork is EVERYTHING in Germany.  It doesn't matter if you have the knowledge.  You will only get shrugs. Germans don't respect our educational system or our degrees.  They think that their system is the best, (it is not),  and without a German qualification and the necessary paper work...well, you're nothing.

--- So...if you are still relatively young, I would check out the job of your choice FIRST.  Talk to the people there and find out what kind of qualification that you need to work there.  THEN, pursue your goal from there.  You may have to go to a German business school, (which is a good idea anyway), for a couple of years...but it would achieve your goal.

--Talk to foreigners who work at a big companies.  Ask how they were able to get employed there and what you need to do to get into a nice firm.

--I was able to find success in English tutoring.  Also, teaching English at companies that need English instructors is a way to get employed, and it's good money too!   In this arena, your 4-year degree is your passport into these types of jobs.  And once you get into a company, who knows?

Good luck!  To be honest, there are two people I know that were able to get their degrees accredited....but it was a BIG BATTLE!  One woman was a surgical nurse and the other was a nursery-school teacher...yes...nursery school teacher.  

<Sigh>.

Side note.  PLEASE BELIEVE ME!

Do you have children?  Watch out!  Teachers do not teach your children in German schools.  (Not what we call teaching anyway.) The children are given lots of information, and then you have to teach them at home.  Germany has a three-tiered school system.  Depending on where you live, the teachers make the decision on whether your child goes to the best schools or the worst school.  They love sending foreign children to the worst school...69% of foreign children are sent there.  Once your child lands in this pit, it's hard for your child to work his way out and have a meaningful way to make a living.

Answer 6

as a secretary you'll have to speak perfect German, but you seem to be smart so just try to get a job you'd like to have..

Answer 7

First of all I want to say do not believe a word "melodrama" said....just ridiculous.... She / He probably had no idea at all about anything in Germany or she did not find the right help/support.

I think since you are married to a German guy he will be able to support you in finding the right job.

Have your papers translated and yes contact the PR dept. of the hospitals. There are so many companies who have PR departments. And if you are in the Munich area there are also lots of American companies or foreign companies who do speak English.

I am very sure you can find a decent good job in your area.

Answer 8

I agree with Melodram.  I don''t know if you have to end up a cleaning lady, but finding a professional job as a foreigner in Germany is very difficult.  Another reason she doesn't mention is that companies are required to employ Germans who are unemployed first before hiring a foreigner.  If they want to hire a foreigner, they have to prove that the foreigner has skills that a German applicant does not.  

I also think it would be a good idea to try and teach English at some large companeis like Siemens or Daimler-Chrysler.  I did this for many years and it may be a way in to a job there.

Lastly, you may want to try temp agencies.  A lot of them are looking for English speakers, however, the whole paperwork thing - work permit (Arbeitserlaubnis) - is very difficult.  

You don't need an Arbeitserlaubnis to teach English as a freelancer.

I lived there for 7 years (teaching) and finally got offered a part-time secretarial position right when I decided to move back to the U.S.  I ended up turning it down.